Rainbow shelter reveals shocking animal neglect
A Derry animal shelter has just released details of a litany of sickening injuries they have found on stray animals rescued in the past month.
A blind cat with no teeth, a dog whose skin was so badly infected it was hot to the touch and a cat infested with thousands of maggots were all rescued by volunteers at the Rainbow Rehoming Shelter.
Helen Davies, manager of the Centre, says all of the animals were rescued following calls from members of the public.
“All of the animals needed urgent veterinary treatment,” she says. “Sadly, some of them were beyond help and had to be put to sleep.”
She revealed that an elderly ginger cat, Maisie, was found blind and with no teeth in the Collon Lane area of Derry.
Helen says: “Her coat was so badly matted it had the texture of wood and was pulling heavily on her skin causing her great discomfort and restricting her movement. Maisie was examined by a vet who advised it would be kindest to put her to sleep.”
Helen added: “Bonnie the Boxer was found by a member of the public in the Limavady area. She had the worst case of mange we at the centre have ever seen. The majority of her skinny body was bald and red raw from the infection. Her paws were swollen and fluid was oozing from cracks on her skin. Her skin was burning hot to touch.”
However, the most disturbing story is that of Sophie the cat who was found in the Eglinton area.
Helen says: “Sophie had probably been lying alongside the road for a long time and may have been hit by a car. An open wound on her side had become infested with thousands of maggots but she was clinging to life, struggling for breath. Sadly, Sophie had to be put to sleep.
“It is a sad indictment on our society that these animals, obviously owned by someone at some stage, had been left, often nearly blind and visibly unwell, to fend for themselves. Some we were able to help, for others we could only end their suffering.
“We would appeal also for the public’s continued financial support in order to continue our work and to maintain this standard of care for needy animals.
“In the 13th year of its existence, the Rainbow Centre has not witnessed such an abundance of animal neglect. Ghandi once said, ‘you can judge a nation by the way it treats its’ animals.’ As we celebrate our City of Culture success, what does this say about us?”
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Weather for Derry
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
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